An electronic technician, Oliver said the only work he needed professional help with was the interior upholstery for the seats and dash - although it took three years scouring swapmeets for parts, saving and a secondhand body to kickstart the project.
Jason Oliver says it took years to restore his HQ Holden and has been a labour of love. Photo/Supplied
The HQ is now equipped with a LT1 V8 engine from a 1994 Chev Camaro and has all the bells and whistles including USB outlets in the ashtrays so his four children can hook up their devices.
Nicknamed "Papa Smurf" by his mates because of its unique blue paintwork the car also appeared in scenes from the New Zealand television series Westside last year.
Oliver said this was the fourth time he would travel to Beach Hop and was disappointed he would be the last of his mates to arrive due to work commitments.
''I'm part of Maketū Gentleman's Club which is basically a social motorcycle group with people that have cool motorbikes and cars. We all meet up there but they are up there already so I am jealous.''
The atmosphere at Beach Hop is amazing and it's an awesome feeling to be cruising around, he said.
''The noise is great but my car is a bit quiet compared to the others. Even though it has a V8 engine it tends to get drowned out.''
No stranger to garnering attention in his car Oliver said he also attracted a lot of interest around Rotorua.
''You get people at the lights saying things like 'cool car' and you don't know what to say."
Asked about his gas bill Oliver is quick off the mark: ''I don't even look at that.''
